Everybody who drives a manual transmission vehicle knows you have to release the clutch before you can put the vehicle in gear or shift to the next gear.
The most typical clutch failure is when the clutch slips rather than engaging, either because the clutch needs to be adjusted due to the disk lining getting thinner (which causes the pedal to have less free play) or because the disk lining is completely worn out.
On most manual shift vehicles built over the past 25 years, the pedal is connected to the clutch by way of hydraulics rather than a clutch cable or mechanical linkage. If the clutch linkage or hydraulics fails, the clutch pedal will press freely and swing on its mount rather than releasing the clutch, and, in some cases, it may stay all the way down instead of returning to the top of its travel.
There are a few possible causes. Here are some examples:
In non-hydraulic clutch systems, the clutch pedal is connected to the clutch fork and bearing using a wire rope style cable that runs through a flexible steel housing surrounded by a plastic sheath.
The housing is anchored on both ends, and when the clutch pedal is applied, the cable slides in the flexible steel housing tube so that the clutch is released when the pedal is depressed.
This type of clutch will have a throwout fork at the transmission passing through the side of the bell housing into the clutch chamber.
The throwout fork moves the clutch release (throwout) bearing to press the fingers on the pressure plate (clutch cover), which, because of their design, removes the pressure applied to the disk by the pressure plate springs so the clutch cover and flywheel can rotate without rotating the transmission input shaft, which is splined to the clutch disk.
If the cable becomes disconnected, the pedal will be very loose with no resistance and may go to the floor unless the pedal has a spring to hold it at the top of its travel. If the cable binds or the housing kinks or breaks, the pedal may be very stiff so that it can’t release the clutch, which is the opposite of the pedal going to the floor.
Clutch fluid is pumped from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder when you step on the clutch pedal, which allows the clutch to release from the flywheel. If there’s a leak in the system, the clutch fluid can drop to low levels, causing your pedal to stick to the floor.
Also known as the throw-out bearing, the clutch release bearing moves on a collar that doubles as a bearing retainer for the input shaft bearing on the transmission.
In a hydraulic clutch, fluid may leak due to loose seals and hoses, but more commonly, the cups and seals in the master cylinder or slave cylinder can fail.
No, it isn’t. If your clutch pedal is sticking to the floor, it’s only a matter of time before full clutch failure. The loose clutch cable could snap, or the springs behind the pressure plates might fail, preventing you from moving your car. If any of these components fail while you’re driving in heavy traffic, you could crash into another vehicle. For your own safety, it’s best to avoid driving until you fix your sticky clutch pedal.
Whatever you do, don’t panic. Here are some tips on how to safely stop your vehicle if your clutch suddenly fails:
If you’re driving on a busy road, look for the nearest spot where you can safely park your vehicle. Switch off the engine, and turn your hazard lights on to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
If your insurance covers roadside assistance, you can ask them for help. You can also call a towing service to help bring your car to the nearest mechanic.
Stepping on the clutch pedal drives the clutch release bearing against the spring, relieving the pressure clamping on the pressure plate. This allows the engine to disengage from the transmission, letting you switch gears. If the clutch pedal gets stuck on the floor, you likely won’t be able to change gears.
Clutches can last anywhere between 30,000 and 100,000 miles. Their lifespans can vary depending on several factors, especially one’s driving habits. Rapidly changing gears, riding the clutch, and driving up and down steep roads can all cause your clutch to wear faster.
The final price will depend on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $60 for a brand-new clutch pedal.
When clutch pedals get stuck to the floor, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a broken clutch cable or clutch release bearing. If you’ve diagnosed the problem and confirmed the fault lies with damaged components, it’s important to get these parts replaced as soon as possible. It can be tricky to find auto parts compatible with your vehicle.
Fortunately, with the help of CarParts.com, finding components designed to work with your car has never been easier.
The best part? You don’t even have to leave your home to get your hands on any of your orders. Simply use your mobile device or computer to visit our website. Use our vehicle selector and input your vehicle’s details. Make sure to input the exact year, make, model, and engine.
We make sure to get our components from some of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. You won’t have to worry about your replacement clutch cable or clutch release bearings failing you any time soon. On top of that, our warehouses are located all over the US, meaning you can receive your order within days.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.